Introduction to Development

The correct approach for structuring a Script Include to accept parameters and return calculated values is to define a method in the prototype that accepts parameters and uses the return statement to pass back the calculated rate object to the calling script.

This is the standard and proper way to implement Script Includes in ServiceNow for server-side use. Here's why this approach is correct:

1. Script Includes use a prototype-based object structure where methods are defined in the prototype section
2. Methods can accept any number of parameters, making them flexible for different use cases
3. The return statement allows synchronous communication back to the caller, which is essential for Scheduled Jobs and Background Scripts that need immediate results
4. This pattern allows the same Script Include to be instantiated and called multiple times with different parameters

The other approaches are incorrect for the following reasons:

Storing results in the initialize function and using GlideRecord variables that persist across method calls is problematic because the initialize function is meant for setup/initialization, not for calculation logic. Additionally, GlideRecord is used for database operations, not for storing calculation results between method calls.

Writing calculated rates to system properties is an anti-pattern because system properties are meant for configuration settings, not for passing data between scripts. This approach would create race conditions when multiple jobs run simultaneously and is inefficient for real-time calculations.

Using gs.eventQueue to pass results asynchronously is incorrect because the scenario specifically requires the calculations for Scheduled Jobs and Background Scripts that need the results immediately to update records. Event queues are designed for asynchronous processing and would not provide the synchronous return value needed for this use case.

The most likely cause of the 'Install Blocked' status in this scenario is plugin or scope conflicts with the existing installed application.

In ServiceNow's Application Repository, when an application shows 'Install Blocked' status, it typically indicates that there are dependency or compatibility issues preventing the installation. The scenario specifically mentions that both applications share overlapping functionality in the CMDB area, which strongly suggests there are conflicts between the applications - such as:

• Plugin dependencies that conflict with each other
• Application scope conflicts where both applications try to modify the same tables or fields
• Incompatible customizations to shared areas like the CMDB

The recommended resolution approach is for the administrator to:
1. Review the dependency requirements listed in the Application Repository
2. Identify the specific conflicts causing the block
3. Contact the vendor to understand compatibility requirements and potential workarounds
4. Potentially work with both vendors to resolve the overlapping functionality issues

The other options are less likely:

• A version mismatch would typically show a different status message specifically indicating version incompatibility rather than 'Install Blocked', and the scenario doesn't mention any version-related warnings.

• License quota issues would typically be identified during the purchase process and would show licensing-related error messages rather than 'Install Blocked' status.

• Deprecated API conflicts would be flagged during ServiceNow's application certification process before an app is available in the store, and security policy conflicts would manifest differently in the system.

The correct approach is to use GlideAjax to instantiate the Script Include, add the sys_id parameter using addParam(), call getXMLAnswer() with a callback function, and set the field value inside the callback.

This is the correct answer because:

1. GlideAjax is the proper client-side API designed specifically to call server-side Script Includes that are marked as 'Client callable'

2. The addParam() method is the correct way to pass parameters to the Script Include - you use addParam('sysparm_name', 'methodName') to specify the function and addParam('sysparm_user_id', sys_id) to pass the user's sys_id

3. getXMLAnswer() is the recommended asynchronous method that accepts a callback function, which is the best practice for client-server communication as it doesn't freeze the browser while waiting for the response

4. Setting the field value inside the callback ensures the data has been retrieved before attempting to use it

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Using getXMLWait() synchronously is technically possible but is deprecated and strongly discouraged because it blocks the browser and creates a poor user experience. Synchronous calls can cause the interface to freeze while waiting for server response.

• Using GlideRecord in a Client Script to query the sys_user table is not possible. Client-side GlideRecord can only query client-accessible tables and cannot directly query server-side tables like sys_user from client scripts. This is exactly why GlideAjax and Client-callable Script Includes exist.

• Using setParameter() and getAnswer() are not valid GlideAjax methods. The correct methods are addParam() for adding parameters and getXMLAnswer() or getXML() for executing the call. This option contains incorrect API method names.